NFL Suspends Michael Griffin for One Game for Violation of Player Safety Rules

NEW YORK -- Titans safety Michael Griffin has been suspended without pay for one game for a repeat violation of NFL safety rules prohibiting hits to the head and neck area of defenseless players, the NFL announced in this press release today.

The suspension was imposed Monday by NFL Vice President of Football Operations Merton Hanks. Griffin may not practice this week nor play in the Titans’ game this Sunday against the Indianapolis Colts. He may not participate in any football activities with the team during the suspension. Griffin will be reinstated on Monday, December 2.

Griffin was penalized for unnecessary roughness in the second quarter of Sunday’s game against the Oakland Raiders for delivering a blow to the head of a defenseless receiver, Oakland tight end Mychal Rivera.

The violation was Griffin’s second this season and fourth since 2011, all for striking defenseless players in the head and neck area.

Under the Collective Bargaining Agreement, the suspension may be appealed within three business days and an expedited hearing and decision requested in advance of Sunday’s game. Appeals are heard and decided by either Matt Birk or Ted Cottrell, the officers jointly appointed and compensated by the NFL and NFLPA to decide appeals of on-field player discipline.